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John Crandon

God and Eternity

John Crandon 1 min read
#Eschatology #The Glory of God #Soteriology
1 Article
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John Crandon
John Crandon 1 min read
1 articles
What does the Bible say about God's eternity?

The Bible teaches that God exists outside of time and is eternal, meaning He is not bound by past, present, or future.

The Scriptures affirm that God is eternal and unchangeable. He is described as the 'I AM,' indicating His existence is not limited to time as we understand it. In God's perspective, all time is present, allowing Him to comprehend all events simultaneously. This is evident in passages that illustrate God's infinite knowledge and sovereignty over time, such as Psalm 90:2, which states, 'Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.' Therefore, God is not constrained by the linear progression of time that defines our human experience.

Psalm 90:2, Exodus 3:14

How do we know that God is outside of time?

We know God is outside of time through Scripture, which repeatedly portrays Him as eternal and not limited by temporal constraints.

Scripture provides a clear understanding of God's nature as existing beyond time. For instance, God is often referred to as eternal, as seen in Isaiah 57:15, where He is called 'the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity.' Additionally, God’s ability to see all of time simultaneously reflects His sovereignty and omniscience, confirming that He is not affected by the passage of time like His creation. He created time for His creatures’ understanding, highlighting His transcendence and the unique nature of His existence.

Isaiah 57:15, 2 Peter 3:8

Why is understanding God's eternity important for Christians?

Understanding God's eternity is vital because it reassures Christians of His sovereignty and unchanging nature amidst temporal challenges.

Recognizing that God exists outside of time encourages Christians to trust in His perfect plans and timing. It reminds believers that God's promises are secure and that He is not limited by our human perception of time. For instance, in Romans 8:28, we are assured that God works all things for good, which is grounded in His eternal nature and foreknowledge. This understanding also brings comfort in times of uncertainty, as we can find peace in the fact that God's purposes transcend our immediate circumstances and that He holds the entirety of history in His sovereign hands. Knowing God as eternal fosters a deep reliance on Him and enriches our faith.

Romans 8:28, Hebrews 13:8

     God created time for the measure of His creatures, not His own being and motion. Past, present, and future are much to us, whose existence, duration, and motions are spanned and spun out by moments; but to God who is eternal, dwells in eternity, is eternity, not circumscribed with place or time, there is nothing former, or later, no succession, of present or past, of future to present, but all at once,, and in one view apparent to his eye of infinite knowledge. So that albeit he speaks often in Scriptures to our capacities of succession of time, as if He together with us did act within the bounds thereof; else if He should speak still in reference to the things of old, and things hereafter to us as the eternal I AM, not I was, or I will be, our weakness would be beneath the comprehension of what He saith. Yet these circumstances of time do add nothing to, take nothing from, nor properly square with Him that is above time, without the precincts of time, comprehends time, and temporary things within Himself, and is not comprehended, or touched by them.

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